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Biomedical subjects

H Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to H Inoue.

At least 1,315 records · Page 73Linked to original sources

Factors influencing the clinical type and course of myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis is considered to be an autoimmune disease in which several factors reciprocally influence the clinical type and course. We investigated the relative importance of the following factors: anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab), HLA, age at onset, autoimmunity, thymic abnormality, duration of treatment, change in AChR Ab titer and immunosuppressive therapy. The pretreatment-AChR Ab titer and HLA were shown to significantly influence the clinical type. On the other hand, the age at onset significantly influenced the clinical course. The finding that with an onset at less than 5-year-old there was a tendency for a good prognosis suggests an association between the immaturity of the muscle and immune systems, and the clinical course.

Adolescent↗

Role of anisotropy in determining the selective action of antiarrhythmics in atrial flutter in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to clarify the electrophysiological and anatomical features of the preferential site of action of antiarrhythmic drugs in the re-entrant circuit of canine atrial flutter. METHODS: Electrophysiological and anatomical findings were correlated in 17 anaesthetised adult mongrel dogs with atrial flutter associated with an intercaval anatomical obstacle, before and after intravenous administration of disopyramide (2 mg.kg-1) and flecainide (2 mg.kg-1). RESULTS: Before drug injection, a rate dependent prolongation of conduction time occurred in the low right atrium where the conduction was slow during atrial flutter. Disopyramide (n = 8 dogs) and flecainide (n = 9 dogs) terminated atrial flutter, with conduction block occurring in this slow conduction area in the low right atrium. Although the degree of drug induced prolongation of refractoriness in this particular area was similar to those in other areas of the right atrium, conduction was depressed to a greater extent in this region. Anatomical study revealed that a thick pectinate muscle that branched from the crista or crista terminalis itself ran perpendicular to the wavefront of the pacing impulse and atrial flutter in this slow conduction area. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated that slow conduction might be attributed, at least in part, to anisotropic conduction over the thick muscle bundle in the low right atrium, and that antiarrhythmic drugs preferentially produced conduction block in this area. Anisotropic conduction in the low right arium is an anatomical substrate for slow conduction in the re-entrant circuit and for the site preference of antiarrhythmic drugs in the present canine model.

Animals↗

Modulation of active renin secretion by renin-binding protein (RnBP) in mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells transfected with human renin and RnBP cDNAs.

To investigate the role of renin-binding protein (RnBP) in renin metabolism, RnBP expression plasmid, which was constructed to express human RnBP under the control of mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat, was transfected into mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells together with the expression plasmid encoding human renin. The transfectant secreted prorenin and active renin, whereas RnBP was expressed only in the presence of dexamethasone and without secretion into the medium. The secretion of active renin was stimulated by forskolin, and the stimulation was repressed by dexamethasone. The secretion of prorenin, however, was insensitive to forskolin irrespective of the presence or absence of dexamethasone. Moreover, the forskolin-stimulated release of active renin was hardly repressed by dexamethasone in AtT-20 cells transfected with the renin expression plasmid and a selectable plasmid pMAMneo. Coexistence of RnBP and renin mRNAs in human Wilms' tumor G-401 cells was shown by means of polymerase chain reaction of respective cDNAs from the cells. These results suggest that RnBP modulates the release of active renin in renin-producing cells.

Animals↗

Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acid residues involved in the glutathione binding of human glutathione S-transferase P1-1.

The four residues of human glutathione S-transferase P1-1 whose counterparts were indicated by X-ray crystallography to reside in the GSH-binding site of pig glutathione S-transferase P1-1 were individually replaced with threonine or alanine by site-directed mutagenesis to obtain mutants R13T, K44T, Q51A, and Q64A. The kinetic parameters, susceptibilities to an inhibitor, S-hexyl-GSH, and affinities for GSH-Sepharose of the latter were compared with those of the wild-type enzyme, and pKa of the thiol group of GSH bound in R13T was shown to be equivalent to that in the wild type. From the results, Lys44, Gln51, and Gln64 were deduced to contribute to the binding of GSH. On the other hand, Arg13 seems to be essential for the enzymatic activity as mainly involved in the construction of a proper structure of the active site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina caused by lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

To investigate pathogenesis of redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina, which were concomitant with severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis, six cadavers were examined anatomically and histopathologically, and quantitative analysis of nerve fibers was performed. In this anatomic study, it was observed that all the redundant nerve roots passed through the constriction of the spinal canal. No significant pathologic change was detected in the spinal ganglia and in the spinal cords except for the posterior column, in which dorsal redundant roots were entering. Redundant nerve roots of unequal length also were observed in the anatomic study. The spatial distribution of redundant nerve roots and the extent of degeneration of nerve fibers in them were established by these histopathologic and quantitative studies. These facts indicated a close causal relationship between redundant nerve roots and constriction of the spinal canal, and that the pathogenesis of redundant nerve roots was a squeezing force acting on the nerve roots at the area of spinal canal constriction.

Cauda Equina↗

Ubiquitous presence in mammalian cells of enzymatic activity specifically cleaving 8-hydroxyguanine-containing DNA.

Here we report the finding of enzymatic activity that specifically cleaves DNA containing 8-hydroxyguanine (oh8Gua) residues in various mammalian cells. To detect this activity, we used a synthetic double-stranded DNA containing a single oh8Gua at a defined position as the substrate, and analyzed the products of enzymatic digestion by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two cleavage sites near the oh8Gua residue were detected with partially purified fractions from cow brain and rat liver, and also with preparations from all mammalian tissues examined. These results suggest that enzymatic activity for the removal of oh8Gua from DNA is widely distributed in mammalian cells.

Animals↗

A case report of inflammatory pseudosarcoma of the urinary bladder.

A case of inflammatory pseudosarcoma of the urinary bladder in a 35-year-old Japanese male is presented. This benign lesion can easily be mistaken for spindle cell sarcoma since it consists of rhabdomyoblast-like elongated strap cells showing infiltrative growth, and whether it is benign or malignant is difficult to determine by microscopic examination. In this case, spindle cell proliferation extended among bundles of the superficial muscle layer. However, no abnormal mitoses, severe nuclear atypia or cellular pleomorphism could be seen, thus indicating inflammatory pseudosarcoma. Although the lesion was not completely resected, no recurrent disease has been clinically observed for two years following transurethral resection. Urologists and surgical pathologists must be able to detect this lesion in order to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Adult↗

Monoclonal antibody analysis of phosphatidylserine and protein kinase C localizations in developing rat cerebellum.

Understanding the topographical relationships between phosphatidylserine (PS) and protein kinase C (PKC) within neurons can provide clues about the mechanism of translocation and activation of PKC. For this purpose we applied monoclonal antibodies (Abs) of PS and PKC to sections of developing rat cerebellum. The anti-PKC Ab immunohistochemical pattern showed homogeneous staining of Purkinje cells over various postnatal ages, whereas the anti-PS Ab staining showed a heterogeneous localization over these ages. Purkinje cells did not stain well between postnatal day 14 (PND 14) and PND 21, suggesting that the PS was lost from the membrane during preparation of the sections during this period. These data imply that interactions between PS and PKC vary in Purkinje cells during postnatal development.

Aging↗

[Isolation of vero-cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli from cattle and serotyping and toxin-typing of the isolated strains].

Two hundred and sixty-six piglets with diarrhea (from 4 farms), 73 healthy pregnant pig (from 2 farms), 27 calves with diarrhea (from 9 farms) and 47 healthy milk cows (from 1 farm) were examined for Vero-cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC), and 52, 11, 15 and 67 strains of VTEC were isolated from 17 piglets, 11 pregnant pigs, 6 calves and 23 milk cows, respectively. All VTEC strains from the piglets produced only VT2vp, while the strains from the healthy pigs did not produce VT2vp, but did VT1 and/or VT2. Most VTEC strains from calves and cows produced VT2vhb and some produced VT2 and VT1. Serotyping of the isolated strains showed that many strains from the piglets belonged either O139:H1, O141:H4 or O141:HUT, but the strains from the pigs were either R-form or O-untypable. Many strains from the calves and cows were serotyped into O116 or O113, but there were several R-form and O-untypable. From these results, it is suggested that VTEC strains, especially from the pregnant pigs, calves with diarrhea and healthy milk cows, which produced the same type of Verotoxins to that produced by human isolates, may become sources of human infections.

Animals↗

Reappraisal of the coupling interval of ventricular extrasystoles as an index of ectopic mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: A mathematical model of modulated ventricular parasystole based on the relation between the coupling interval and the preceding RR interval was developed in an attempt to distinguish between parasystolic automaticity and other mechanisms. MATHEMATICAL MODEL: The relation between the coupling interval and the preceding RR interval was examined by plotting the coupling interval of each extrasystole against the preceding RR interval (coupling interval/RR diagram). The coupling interval/RR diagrams obtained from simulations with various modulation modes suggested that the parasystolic mechanism was likely when the dots representing extrasystoles appeared as discrete clusters. In contrast, a linear horizontal accumulation of dots indicated a non-parasystolic mechanism. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: To verify the validity of the simulations, 24 hour electrocardiographic recordings from 60 patients with frequent ventricular extrasystoles (> 1000/day) were analysed to determine whether the extrasystoles showed intrinsic periodicity. Intrinsic periodicity indicative of a parasystolic mechanism was seen in 14 (93%) of 15 patients in whom the coupling interval/RR diagram was characteristic of a parasystolic mechanism. When the coupling interval did not change (variability < 200 ms) over a wide range of RR intervals (> 700 ms) intrinsic periodicity was never identified (0/17). Parasystolic automaticity was the likely mechanism in 11 of the remaining 28 patients (39.3%) in whom coupling interval/RR diagrams were not definitive. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that definite patterns of coupling interval/RR diagrams can be used to distinguish between parasystolic and non-parasystolic mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

Measurement of biventricular septal-to-free wall diameters using sonomicrocrystals.

An ultrasonic system for the measurement of biventricular septal-to-free wall internal diameters in the dog was described. The ventricular endocardial ultrasonic microcrystals were implanted via the left and right atrial appendages and arranged in a straight line, with minimal invasion of the myocardium and pericardium. Reliable signals were obtained during right ventricular pressure overload and septal myocardial ischemia.

Animals↗

Dysfunction of nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory system after antigen inhalation in actively sensitized cat airways.

We have investigated whether proteases released during antigen inhalation cause dysfunction of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory nervous system (NANCIS). Frequency-response (F-R) studies of NANCIS were performed before and after Ascaris antigen (ASC) inhalation using actively sensitized cats. NANC dilatatory effects were obtained by stimulating bilateral cervical vagi under cholinergic and beta-adrenergic blockade and serotonin-induced bronchoconstriction, and assessed by maximal percent relaxation (rmax) and the frequency causing 50% of maximal relaxation (EF50). ASC inhalation caused a transient increase in pulmonary resistance in all animals. One hour after ASC inhalation, pulmonary resistance returned to the baseline value, but ASC inhalation significantly attenuated NANC inhibitory activities: rmax decreased from 82.2 +/- 4.7 (mean +/- SE) to 64.3 +/- 11.2% (p less than 0.05), and the geometric mean of EF50 increased from 1.7 to 4.3 Hz (p less than 0.05). Dilatatory effects of infused VIP, a possible neurotransmitter of NANCIS, was also attenuated after ASC inhalation. Pretreatment with leupeptin (3 mg/kg) abolished ASC-induced impairment of NANC inhibitory activities. By contrast, dilatatory effects of adrenergic nerve stimulation were not affected by ASC inhalation. These results suggest that NANC inhibitory activities can be impaired after ASC inhalation, and that this impairment of NANCIS may be due to effects of proteases released during allergic reaction.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Bradykinin causes airway hyperresponsiveness and enhances maximal airway narrowing. Role of microvascular leakage and airway edema.

The relationship between bronchial edema and airway responsiveness was studied in cats in situ. Five cats were exsanguinated, and the bronchial arteries were perfused. We monitored pulmonary resistance (RL), and the provocative dose of acetylcholine (ACh) required to produce a 300% increase in RL (PD300) was determined. Bronchial vascular permeability was measured by quantifying extravasation of Evans blue (EB) dye. Bradykinin (BK) and ACh were administered via the bronchial arteries to increase leakage and bronchoconstriction, respectively. BK preperfusion (for 30 min) significantly increased bronchial vascular permeability to four times the control values (p < 0.05). BK preperfusion did not alter baseline RL but caused hyperresponsiveness to ACh, with log [PD300 (mole)] of -6.53 +/- 0.42 (mean +/- SD) and -6.90 +/- 0.30, before and after BK, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the maximal airway narrowing after BK was 58% higher than before BK (p < 0.01). Histologic study showed peribronchial edema after BK. The enhancement of maximal airway narrowing was significantly correlated with the degree of EB dye extravasation. These results suggest that BK causes airway hyperresponsiveness to ACh and increases maximal airway narrowing, possibly because of airway edema.

Acetylcholine↗

Excitatory role of axon reflex in bradykinin-induced contraction of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle.

To elucidate the role of the axon reflex in the airways, we studied the effects of atropine (10(-6) M) and tetrodotoxin (10(-7) M) on the bradykinin-induced contraction of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, with or without pretreatment of the animals with capsaicin. The concentration-response curves to bradykinin (10(-9) to 10(-5) M) were measured in the presence of both indomethacin and propranolol. In the guinea pigs not given capsaicin pretreatment, baseline tension values did not differ before versus after the application of atropine or tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin reduced the bradykinin-induced contraction significantly, but atropine did not change the contraction induced by bradykinin. These observations indicate that bradykinin-induced contraction is potentiated by a neurally mediated action, but that is not mediated by acetylcholine released from the efferent vagal nerve terminals. The contractile response to bradykinin was significantly reduced in the animals treated with capsaicin as compared with those administered vehicle only. Furthermore, in the animals treated with capsaicin, tetrodotoxin did not affect the response to bradykinin. These observations indicate that bradykinin-induced airway smooth muscle contraction is mediated in part by tachykinins released from C-fiber endings, presumably via an axon reflex.

Animals↗

Effects of sialagogues on ornithine decarboxylase induction and proto-oncogene expression in murine parotid gland.

The mechanism of a sialagogue-induced increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and the expressions of proto-oncogenes in murine parotid gland were investigated by use of isoproterenol (IPR), carbachol (CC), and methoxamine (MTX). The results were as follows: (1) The three sialagogues had similar effects on the parotid in vivo (mouse parotid after a single injection of IPR) and/or in vitro (rat parotid explants cultured on siliconized lens paper floating on 199 medium containing IPR, CC, or MTX), the order of their effectiveness being IPR > CC > MTX. (2) Northern/dot and Western blot analyses revealed that the sialagogues elevated the steady-state levels of ODC mRNA and ODC protein to maxima at two h and six h, respectively, after stimulation. The increases were roughly proportional to those in ODC activity, suggesting that sialagogue-dependent enzyme induction is regulated at the transcriptional level. (3) The mRNAs of four of nine proto-oncogenes examined showed sialagogue-dependent increases to maxima at 30 min (c-fos) or 60 min (c-jun, c-myc, and c-src) after the beginning of stimulation. These increases were all transient, with the levels returning to the control values (without sialagogue) within 60 min. (4) The IPR-dependent elevations of ODC activity and the mRNAs of ODC, c-fos, and c-jun were inhibited by monensin, but not by polymyxin B. On the other hand, the CC-dependent increases in these parameters were inhibited by polymyxin B but not by monensin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amanitins↗

Immortalization of fetal mouse brain glial cells by human papillomavirus type 16 E7 genes.

Fetal mouse brain glial cells in primary cultures were immortalized by recombinant retroviruses containing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 genes, and named VR-2g cells. The presence and expression of E7 genes in VR-2g cells were demonstrated by the Southern and the Northern blot analyses. VR-2g cells did not form colonies in soft agar culture, indicating that VR-2g cells have no transforming phenotypes. By the karyotype analysis, VR-2g cells consisted of two cell populations, the pseudo-diploid and the pseudo-tetraploid. VR-2g cells were positive in immunostaining with mono- and polyclonal antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic proteins (glial-specific intermediate filaments). In addition, VR-2g cells secreted neurotrophic factors as assayed with primary cultures of fetal rat striatum neurons, although molecular characterization of the factor(s) was not yet determined. These results indicate that the present method for cell immortalization will be useful for establishing untransformed cell lines from primary cultures of fetal brain cells.

Animals↗

Synthesis of N-substituted C-normorphinans and their pharmacological properties.

Several N-substituted C-normorphinans (VIII and IX) were synthesized and tested for their analgetic and narcotic antagonist activities and physical dependence capacity. Treatment of N-formyl- octahydro-2-pyrindine (IIIc) with polyphosphoric acid readily gave N-formyl-C-normorphinan (IV). The N-nor bases (V and VII) obtained from IV were converted to VIII and IX. The N-methyl derivative (I), which was previously reported to be inactive by Haffner's method, exhibited potent analgetic activity by the hot plate method and the AcOH-induced writhing test. Compounds VIII and IX showed pharmacological properties similar to those of N-substituted morphinans and exhibited agonist (analgetic) and/or narcotic antagonist activities. The C-nor analogue (IXa) of cyclorphan (IIc) exhibited potent analgetic and antagonist activities with no physical dependence capacity in the single-dose suppression tests both in rats and monkeys.

Analgesics↗

Synthesis of the optically active trans-isomers of diltiazem and their cardiovascular effects and Ca-antagonistic activity.

Optically active trans-isomers of diltiazem were synthesized and their cardiovascular effects were evaluated in anesthetized dogs and in isolated guinea pig hearts. Both (+)-2 (2R,3S) and (-)-2 (2S,3R) were much less active than diltiazem (1, 2S,3S) with short duration of action. No substantial enantiomeric difference in activity was seen between them. Their Ca-antagonistic activities on Ca(2+)-induced contractions in K(+)-depolarized canine basilar arteries were also examined. Absolute stereochemistry of (+)-2 was determined to be 2R,3S by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Animals↗